Innovative environmental projects win Emirates’

12 June 2014

A Greener Tomorrow award

DUBAI, U.A.E. – 12thJune 2014 – Emirates, a global connector of people and places, announced the recipients of its ‘A Greener Tomorrow’ initiative, which provides funding for not-for profit environmental organisations in developing countries.

Globally, more than 400 organisations were nominated for the initiative by passengers, Emirates’ social media network, universities, environmental and conservation organisations and the general public. Applications came from countries across the Emirates network and beyond, and spanned environmental initiatives such as animal, land and tree conservation, biogas, environmental research, and green transportation. The applications were of such a high standard that Emirates has awarded the funding to three separate projects.

Ripple Africa - Changu Changu Moto project, Malawi

Ripple Africa - Changu Changu Moto project, Malawi

Heritage Foundation - Moak Sharif Eco-Village, Pakistan

Heritage Foundation - Moak Sharif Eco-Village, Pakistan

E-jeepneys, Philippines

E-jeepneys, Philippines

The successful projects address a diverse range of issues from fuel-efficient cooking in Malawi, eco-villages and sustainable farming practices in Pakistan, and a conversion of Manila’s iconic ‘jeepneys’ into battery-operated versions that reduce emissions in the city.

“We are acutely aware of the everyday challenges faced by many communities around the world. ‘A Greener Tomorrow’ aims to assist some of those communities in the places we serve, to improve their environmental conditions and livelihoods. The three projects that we are supporting through ‘A Greener Tomorrow’ embody attributes that resonate strongly with us at Emirates,” said Will Löfberg – Emirates’ Vice President - International, Government and Environment Affairs. “They are innovative in their approach to sustainability and green technology, and are dedicated to ensuring that their communities will benefit from enhanced opportunities and a clean environment.”

The recipients of ‘A Greener Tomorrow’ funding:

Ripple Africa - Changu Changu Moto fuel-efficient cook stove project, Malawi Ripple Africa focuses on environment, education and healthcare in the Nkhata Bay District of Malawi. The Changu Changu Moto (Fast, Fast Fire) stove is a positive alternative to traditional three stone open fires. It is simple and low cost, with a low tech sustainable structure that is sourced entirely from local materials. This stove reduces deforestation in the local area, as well as greatly reducing the direct inhalation of smoke.

Heritage Foundation - Moak Sharif Eco-Village, Pakistan Heritage Foundation is engaged in a wide range of activities, from the construction of eco-villages, to sustainable farming practices, the building of smokeless cook stoves and educating women and children in these sustainable practices. The funding award will be used to support projects across all three of these areas in the Village Hashim Macchi, located in the outskirts of Tando Allahyar, Pakistan.

Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (iCSC) – E-jeepneys, Philippines iCSC works on sustainable energy solutions and fair climate policy. The E-jeepneys conversion programme transforms the traditional jeepney engines – the Philippines’ most popular means of public transport, to battery powered engines. This substantially reduces local air pollution and carbon emissions. Multicabs from Tacloban whose engines were damaged by typhoon Haiyan will be fitted with electric motors, rendering the vehicles as useful public transport vehicles once again.

Emirates takes a practical approach to the environment – from recycling tonnes of obsolete aircraft chinaware, to applying new air traffic management practices that reduce fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions. Responsible for the establishment of the 225 km2 Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and as a pioneer in eco-tourism with the Wolgan Valley Resort in Australia, a 1,680 hectare wildlife conservancy adjacent to the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park, Emirates has long valued investment in the environment. ‘A Greener Tomorrow’, which is funded by revenues from a range of Emirates Group recycling programmes, is the latest step in Emirates’ support for environmental initiatives.